Pleasure and pain for Raval

The level-headed approach Jeet Raval takes to batting was reflected in his reaction to missing a maiden test century,

The New Zealand opener admitted to equal measures of frustration and satisfaction after making 88 as the Black Caps sought a series-levelling win against South Africa in Hamilton.

‘‘A bit of both, I guess,’’ Raval said. ’’Disappointed not to kick on and get a big score, but it was nice to contribute towards a big partnership and move the game forward. It puts us in a good position leading into day four and hopefully we can build some good partnerships again and then put some early pressure on South Africa when they came out to bat.’’

It was Raval’s fifth half-century in just seven tests after making his debut against Pakistan in November, and his third in four innings against the Proteas. He got New Zealand’s reply to South Africa’s first innings of 314 off to a solid start in putting on 83 with Tom Latham (50), then played second fiddle to skipper Kane Williamson (148no) as they added 190 for the second wicket.

It was just the eighth time in history the Black Caps’ top three have all passed 50 in a test innings - the last time being last August, against Zimbabwe in Bulawayo.

‘‘It’s tough - it’s not supposed to be easy,’’ Raval said of his introduction to test cricket aged 28.

‘‘It’s called test cricket for a reason, It’s mentally challenging and when you do well it’s rewarding because you know you had to work hard for your wickets or your runs.’’

Raval looked poised to be the first New Zealand opener to make a ton against South Africa since Geoff Rabone 63 years ago, but after receiving a working-over from the Proteas with the second new-ball, fell to an inside edge off Morne Morkel and a second exceptional catch from wicketkeeper Quinton de Kock after batting for 391 minutes and facing 254 balls.